Manchester United broke the British transfer record today by signing midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron from Lazio for £28.1million.

The 26-year-old Argentinian agreed a five-year deal and will link up with the country's second most expensive player, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who United bought from PSV Eindhoven for £19m.

Veron said: "I am absolutely delighted to be here. My first impressions of the club are very positive.

"I am aware I've joined one of best, if not the best, club in the world and I hope I can do my best to satisfy everyone's aspirations for me."

United manager Alex Ferguson said: "He is a marvellous player who brings just what we need to the team.

"Every time we have bought this type of player he has done wonders for us. What we have done is bring in one of the best in the world.

"Juan will bring a personality to the team which I feel we need at the moment. I feel we need a challenge. We have a fantastic bunch of players who have done magnificently over the years, but nothing beats a challenge."